United 'bid £10m for Quagliarella'

Sampdoria's striker Fabio Quagliarella, who has made a dramatic early impact with Italy, has emerged as a target for Manchester United, according to the player's agent.

Interest in Quagliarella has risen substantially since the forward scored two outstanding goals on his first start for the Azzurri in their 2-0 European Championship qualifier win in Lithuania last week. His international success came after a season in which the 23-year-old enhanced his reputation in Serie A.

Quagliarella's agent, Silvio Pagliari, said yesterday: "One month ago, Manchester United made a £10m offer. We believe Fabio is worth between €15 and €20m (£10-13m), hence if the English club's offer still stands, he could probably go abroad."

Quagliarella joined Sampdoria last summer from Ascoli, although his sporting rights are co-owned by both the Genoese club and Udinese.He hit 13 goals in 35 league appearances in the last campaign.

On top of that record, and such an impressive start for Italy, it is no surprise that Sampdoria are anxious to keep Quagliarella. "More than ever, we want to keep Fabio's services," said the club's administrator, Giuseppe Marotta. "We will only stop if faced with an extraordinary offer."

Although United yesterday moved to clarify details of Louis Saha's fitness, confirming the Frenchman will be ready to start the season, that will not deter Sir Alex Ferguson from seeking a new striker. Saha has a long injury history at Old Trafford - he had only four starts this year - and Alan Smith's future also remains uncertain. Saha recently had a knee operation in the United States and there have been conflicting reports of how long he will be out. It had been suggested that he would not be fit until at least November.

A United statement said: "Louis is currently continuing his rehabilitation in France under guidance from the specialist and the club's medical team.

"He is making good progress and is expected to be fit for full training by the start of the new season."